The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. Its location in the northern portion of the North Island ensures the temperatures are mild to hot all year, and rainfall is spread right across all 12 months. These New Zealand climate extremes were updated in April 2022. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. Its my favourite place to live in the world and Ive lived in many countries! Photos by NZ Herald Staff photographers. Further inland in Wairarapa, the soil is labelled as very dry, and dry. The cost of living in Devonport is similar to the cost of living in Auckland. The best place to live in New Zealand for retirees is probably Christchurch. New Zealand was discovered less than 1000 years ago by the _____. After the large earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is still rebuilding in new and creative ways. Dunedin is also the gateway to iconic New Zealand destinations the ski fields and wineries of Central Otago, the mountains of Aoraki Mt Cook and the rugged Catlins coast are all no more than a few hours drive away. Christchurch also has a number of hospitals and retirement homes. Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. Cool sea breezes can blow in and drop temperatures, and storms arrive with little warning. . However, you will experience torrential rain and very dark skies for a few weeks. Given the variety of activities, Wanaka is also a popular place to live in New Zealand. New Zealand's scenic highlights and natural wonders The 9 Warmest Places in New Zealand for Sun Lovers. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. The city is built on hills surrounding the Wellington Harbour, against the backdrop of the towering Remutaka Ranges. Rotorua 13. Dont let Napiers picture-perfect weather fool you, though. Some of the warmest places to live in New Zealand include Tauranga, Hamilton, and Napier. New research finds that the dark silicate glass strewn across a vast swath of the Atacama Desert was created by an exploding comet around 12,000 years ago. Just remember to factor in the cost of living and the availability of work when choosing where to live. If you are looking for dry places on theNorth Island, I can tell you that there arent many although some parts of the North Island can experience extreme droughts from time to time. Auckland is the best place to live in New Zealand for business positions. The North Island of New Zealand also has a couple of sunny areas: So good places to visit for sun on the North Island would be Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane, Opotiki, Gisborne, Napier, and Hastings. Our average rainfall is high and spread evenly throughout the year. The climate of Christchurch is very temperate and can be compared to the south of the U.K, although with significantly less rainfall. Antarctica. For an individual, your costs would be about half of this. The advance . Were interested in how you are using this information and whether its useful let us know by emailing [emailprotected]. Also opposite to much of the world, the further north you head in New Zealand, the warmer it gets albeit a few exceptions. Aprilbrings the least amount of rain toQueenstownandJunethe most. All rights reservedPrivacy Policy, Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 RING NIWA (0800 746 464) Contact details, Air quality monitoring with low-cost sensors, Science to respond to our changing climate: teaching climate adaptation, Rangi - weather and climate lessons for teachers, Using trigonometric functions to model climate, Weather plots: temperature and relative humidity. Winter in NewZealand can be busy or quiet depending on where you go ski areas like Queenstown and Wanaka in the South Island and the Central Plateau in the North Island are always buzzing in the depths of winter, whereas coastal areas and big cities like Auckland and Wellington are less crowded. There are also plenty of things to do in Auckland, from exploring the many museums and art galleries, to hiking in the nearby Waitakere Ranges. New Zealand is not known for its low living costs, as all products must be imported by sea or air. Christchurch driest city in warm 2020 for NZ Or, take to the warm waters and see if you can spot dolphins, seals, penguins, and even whales. (Read more). Wiki User. New Zealand's national parks cover more than 30,000 square kilometres, full to the brim with beautiful, natural scenery ready to explore. The driest part of the North Island is the bottom half starting on a line south of Mount Taranaki and Tongariro National Park down to Wellington, excluding parts where there are mountain ranges. Rent and general expenses can cost around $3,000 NZD per month. Like many other regions of New Zealand, its best to be prepared for four seasons in one day. Autumn and spring UVI values can be high in most areas. The weather in Auckland and the Coromandel has been wet and wild causing road closures, slips, and canceled holidays as well as some extreme sporting opportunities. Mean annual temperatures range from 10C in the south to 16C in the north of New Zealand. As well as being a popular tourist destination, Napier is also a great place to live. Persistent hotspot regions have the potential to develop into drought, Niwa says. Common wealth. (Read more). Blenheimseems to follow the weather patterns of theNorth Island, so the most rain falls in winter and spring. Napier is often referred to as the art deco capital of the world, and its easy to see why. Word has certainly got out that Tauranga is one of the warmest places in New Zealand and is the place to be as its now one of New Zealands fastest-growing cities. Whangarei is a city located in the Northland region of New Zealand. The Southern Alps run down the length of the South Island and provide excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The city has a population of around 50,000 people, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. It pays to be prepared for what you might encounter on your travels. Over successive summer seasons . You can expect to spend around $1,800 NZD on rent and $1,500 NZD on general expenses. NewZealands climate is diverse the north of the North Island can have warm subtropical weather in summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can have heavy snow and temperatures as low as -10C (14F) in winter. Again this is good news for people who want to visit the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or Golden Bay. I recommend Dunedin over Invercargill for a cheap lifestyle without being so cold or cut off from the rest of the country. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. It really depends where youre located and your type of lifestyle. The Covid-19 lockdown of New Zealand started at 11:59pm 25 March 2020. 100%YES! Dunedin 6. North Island Avg. driving in areas of NewZealand that are prone to snow. In winter, it never snows! New Zealand Average Temperatures in January. If we do start to get rain, a lot of those crops will recover, and we will get reasonable yield. New Zealand climate extremes for 2018 Hottest: 38.7C, Alexandra, 30 JanColdest: -10.4C, Mt Cook, 3 JunWettest: 6818 mm, Milford SoundDriest: . These cities offer a variety of work opportunities and a multicultural environment. The population of 400,000 supports career opportunities in most industries. Mountain chains extending the length of New Zealand provide a barrier for the prevailing westerly winds, dividing the country into dramatically different climate regions. Snow typically falls during the months of June through to October, though cold snaps can occur outside of this. Join our Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. What is the best place to live in New Zealand for retirees? New Zealand's climate is complex and varies from warm subtropical in the far north to cool temperate climates in the far south, with severe alpine conditions in the mountainous areas. Drought: New Zealand's driest areas. It is also the most multicultural city in the country, with over 200 different ethnicities represented. Queenstown 9. Getting around New Zealand Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)! Cost of living in Mount Maunganui is fairly similar to other urban areas of New Zealand. (opens in new window). Mount Maunganui is a laid-back suburb of Tauranga, one of New Zealands larger cities (albeit still small), situated on the eastern coast of the North Island. Queenstown on the South Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular towns in New Zealand. This is the most popular time to visit NewZealand for sunny beach days, adventures on the water, beautiful bush walks and mountain hiking. To cool off, head to one of the 18 lakes in the region for a swim or paddleboard. The city is also home to the Maori culture, and you can learn about their history and traditions at the many museums and cultural centres. A two-bedroom apartment in a good location will set you back anywhere from $450 $600 per week. So lets have a look at where you can go and when you should go there when planning a trip to New Zealand to maximize your chances of getting lots of sun with a minimal amount of rain. Video / Benjamin Plummer. Settlement and Movement. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! The hottest months in NewZealand are January and February, and the coldest month of the year is July. On the other hand, with less than six rainy days per month in January and February, youre even more likely to experience plentiful hot and dry days. In 2015, the New Zealand Antarctic Research Institute granted funding to AUT to develop methods for operating unmanned aerial vehicles. The National Hydrometric Database, EDENZ, with all data from mainland New Zealand stations included. Youll find NewZealands countryside full of bouncing lambs and spring blossoms, so it makes for great photos! If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To find cheap flights, I recommendSkyscanner. What is the driest place in New Zealand? - 2022 This is good news for beachgoers who flock to beaches in summer. In summer, temperatures climb to the mid 20s C (mid 70s F) and occasionally reach above 30 C (mid 80s F). Theres always something to do and see between the many festivals, markets, and other events. Spring in NewZealand is when the weather starts to warm up, although there is a high chance of rainfall around this time of year. On July 3rd, 1995, a low of . This is made up of very reasonable housing costs (NZ$500), utilities (NZ$150), internet & mobile (NZ$160), transport (NZ$200), groceries (NZ$600), and eating out / entertainment (NZ$400). Photo / Christine Cornege, New Zealand beat England by one run in the final day of the Basin Reserve Test in Wellington. With little commuting time needed and a temperate climate, residents make the most by getting out to enjoy the beaches (the surf is epic! Its handy location makes it a great spot for expats looking for a place within a few hours drive of Auckland, but away from the hustle and with more central access to the rest of the North Island. Wairarapa is the driest place in New Zealand, with some parts bordering on drought conditions. Another area on the South Island that gets a lot of sun runs from just north of Christchurch in southwestern direction toward Lake Tekapo and includes Ashburton, Geraldine, and Fairlie. I dont speak the language. One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation isnt as readily available in Hawkes Bay as it is in other parts of New Zealand, so you may need to factor in the cost of a car when budgeting. For longer hikes, enter the park from the tiny town of Marahau. Christchurch was the driest main centre in New Zealand over 2020. Based on the average yearly high of 19.7 C (67.6 F), Whangarei is the warmest place in New Zealand. You can expect to spend around $1,600 NZD on rent and $1,300 NZD on general expenses. Auckland has amazing weather. Overall, Waiheke Island is a great place to live if you want to be close to Auckland but escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You want to stay warm and dry during your vacation, right? The nights are cold but not freezing, and the days are warm but not hot. A brief description of each climate zone illustrating the average rainfall and temperature can be reached by clicking on the links below: The data are monthly averages for the period 19712000, for locations with at least 5 years of complete data. Its also one of the most expensive towns in the country to live in, due to the high rent demand is greater than supply so landlords here can charge a higher weekly rate. Even though the smell doesnt offer a pleasant greeting, the chance to wander around the otherworldly landscapes dotted around the city is why many tourists find their way here. The city was rebuilt in the 1930s following a devastating earthquake, and many of the buildings from this period have been carefully preserved. Temperatures in winter average around 14C/58F and summer months average 24C/75F. Where is the warmest place in New Zealand? Consider what side of the city you prefer to live on carefully. invasive. What is the chance of a warm summer in Invercargill? Dont expect to show up in a tank top all year, though. Alexandra closely competes with Gisborne for the warmest place in New Zealand, yet is located in a very different region of the country From November through February, Alexandra temperatures soar into the mid 20s C (high 70s F) and is deemed the hottest town in the country from November through February. The best Mount Maunganui accommodation is found near Mauao and the main street. He said by mid-January, if there was not enough rain, it would be very difficult for farmers. It is mainly the area that runs from the top of the South Island to the bottom of the South Island on the western side of the mountain ranges that gets the most rain. Looking Ahead:North America. Summer orautumnwould be the best time to visit Blenheim withFebruarylooking the best. Hamilton, in New Zealands North Island is an excellent place for expats to live. Arica, Chile. These cities have low crime rates and are generally very safe places to live. Within the city, youll find plentiful shopping and hip cafes to sample New Zealands food culture. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. Basic groceries cost $500 pp/month. Average temperatures increase as you travel north. So pack your sunnies, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy these nine warmest places in New Zealand. - Advertisement - Worst impacted is coastal Wairarapa, and it may be dire straits for the farming community over summer, Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt said. Locals like to joke that you can experience four seasons in one day! The cheapest place to live in New Zealand is probably Invercargill. The annual Farmer's Santa Parade returned to central Auckland after a year off for the Pandemic and the rain wasn't enough to deter Christmas fans. NewZealand is lush and green for a reason! The 15 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand - TripSavvy The 9 Warmest Places in New Zealand for Sun Lovers - Journeying The Globe If we do get reasonable rain over the next month, that will carry farmers through thats the biggest thing.. Instead of June through August being the summer months, New Zealand enjoys summer in December through February. The best places to eat in Ubud. low 12c (53F) Avg . Auckland 6. Dreaming of endless stretches of golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and ideal sunbathing weather? Image 1 of 36: Lake Kiwitahi the water reservoir at Kiwitahi, that supplies water to Morrinsville is drying up with a drought about to be announced in the Waikato. The West Coast of the South Island is the wettest area of New Zealand, whereas the area to the east of the mountains, just over 100 km away, is the driest. Others might prefer a smaller town where they can get to know their neighbors and feel more connected to their community. Then there are those who want to live in the countryside, surrounded by nature. As New Zealand is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the warmest months are December through February and the coldest months are June through August. Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham said if the dry spell continued, it will be a real concern for farmers. Cost of living for a family in Hamilton is $4,000 per month, roughly based on the cost of the average family home ($500-700 per week) or an executive home ($700-800 per week), groceries ($250-350), and eating out once in a while (meals costing $25-35 per meal). There are many cafes and restaurants, as well as museums and art galleries. Most areas of New Zealand have between 600 and 1600 mm of rainfall, spread throughout the year with a dry period during the summer. This rarely visited region south of the Bay of Islands is a hidden gem on New Zealand's North Island. Hamiltons weather can be humid during the summer months, giving long warm nights and is much warmer during the winter. Winter in NewZealand is the best time to visit if youre into snow sports. Seemy Disclosure Policyfor more information. The ground isnt the only thing hot in Rotura either. Lives in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Author has 2.3K answers and 824.3K answer views 2 y It depends on what you mean by best. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventure, NewZealands busy high season'is summer, while the quieter shoulder seasons are spring and autumn. 13 Best Places to Live in New Zealand (and Where Not To!) The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Kaitaia and Whangarei top the list with an. Carrier said there was a chance of rain next week, but that it would be unlikely to alleviate the problem. Devonport is a beautiful, historic seaside town located on Aucklands North Shore. Wanaka 5. What are the warmest months in New Zealand? Affectionately called the pav and variously described as a festive chess board, Santas kaleidoscope and a rainbow Parthenon, the Christmas pavilion now in place at the lower end of Queen Street in Te Komititanga square - is turning heads and captivating hearts. P.H. Coastal Wairarapa is the only place in New Zealand currently labelled extremely dry. It only drops down to about 4C on the coldest days. The sunniest places in NewZealand (recorded hours of sunshine) are the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Nelson/Marlborough.